ArtStage summer camp explodes! By popular demand, ArtStage has expanded its summer program to include more hours, more classes, and more weeks! This year, ArtStage Performing Arts Summer Camp will begin on Monday, June 23 and end on August 15. Not only does this include an extra four weeks, but all-day programs have also been added. Students may attend starting at 8:30 a.m. and classes go until 7:30 p.m., five days a week. Options include 2-hour, half-day, and full-day programs. "Our summer camp has been so popular, students and parents are asking for more. So we decided to start ArtStage Unleashed! We have added visual arts and music to our existing program of dance, acting, and vocal classes. Everyone is thrilled and spots are filling quickly," said Artistic Director, Linda A. White.

ArtStage Unleashed! includes classes in ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics, modern, hip hop, voice, acting, modeling, music, art, nutrition, choreography, free style, and more! With over a dozen qualified instructors, students can spend the day exploring creative expression through the arts and gaining in confidence, charisma and understanding of our world.

Ballet Boot Camp is for the serious dancer with a minimum of three years experience. An intensive program that offers classes in ballet technique, conditioning, pointe, variations and artistic expression for the dancer. These classes are offered evenings, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Creative Kids Club is a morning program for 2-5 year olds that includes performing arts plus language and math enrichment presented through the arts. This highly unique program provides children with a wide range of artistic materials and experiences to inspire creativity that will set the stage for future success in all areas of life.

ArtStage is proud to be a sponsor of the Fashion and Modeling Camp at Downtown at the Gardens beginning Saturday, June 7 and running seven weeks. The curriculum led by Director Barbara Smoliak, will cover the following subjects: modeling technique; health and nutrition; hair, nail and skin care; proper etiquette; movement to music; acting for models; fashion trends; and Pilates. Students will participate in a new Top Model Contesthosted by Downtown at the Gardens and the winner will receive a personal photo shoot to be used in the advertising campaign for next year.

Gregory James of ESB Productions (So You Want To Be A Model with Cosmo GIRL), came to the Open House at ArtStage in March. Mr. James auditioned boys and girls for select spots in his Aspiring Talent Camp at Universal Studios in June. Greg was astounded at the number of talented students at ArtStage, "I have never asked so many children to go to my camp. Parents are crazy if they don't send their children to ArtStage. I realize that the performing arts are the key to success with my clients. I am looking forward to coming back in the fall."

ArtStage is proud to announce the college graduation of three former students: Shayla Benoit, Brittany Smoliak, and Lindsay White. Ms. Benoit has attended FSU for the last four years, studying for a Musical Theatre B.F.A. degree. A highly selective, audition only program, that included singing, dancing and acting, Shayla is graduating Summa Cum Laude. She has been called back to several Broadway and touring musicals and is waiting final results to decide her future career goals. This summer, she will be seen at the Seaside Music Theater in Daytona Beach.

Brittany Smoliak, who is currently interning at Dreyfoos High School of the Arts, will be graduating from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a theatre degree. After attending New World School of the Arts for one year, Brittany transferred to PBA to finish her schooling. She is looking forward to moving to New York City in the fall.

Lindsay White will graduate with a B.F.A. in Acting from FSU. Lindsay studied theatre intensively including classes in dialect, voice, stage fighting, make up, and a semester of Shakespeare in London, England. This summer, Lindsay will be teaching acting at a girls camp in Maine (Move IT) and then take up residence in New York City. She recently appeared in two productions at FSU: The Tamer Tamed in the part of Bianca, and The Gift of Peace, as the economist and is a current recipient of the Patrons Scholarship.

ArtStage will present Stages, Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 at the Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens at 7:00 p.m. The production will include dancing (ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hip hop, and acrobatics) by award winning choreographers, singing and acting scenes designed to entertain. Mr. Charles Russell, Joffrey Ballet, will premiere two new ballet pieces: Love Song and From a Time Now Gone. For tickets or more information about ArtStage, please call 561-747-7409.